Chapter 5
Harry often recalls the painful memories of the war, those tortured dead friends, the suffering and the pain that accompanied them during this dark period of his life. The pain of loss, the betrayal of some friends and the death of people dear to him have left scars that will never fade. He remembers Ron and Hermione, who fought alongside him in the war, who survived, but also bear their own scars. Harry says there are times when they all go back to their painful memories, wondering what they could do differently to prevent so many deaths.
But there is one memory that weighs even heavier on Harry, that of the abuse he suffered at the Dursleys. Years of neglect, physical and emotional abuse have left deep scars on him. The physical scars have healed, but the emotional scars are still there. He remembers when he had to sleep in the closet under the stairs, how he was forced to do all the housework, even though he was still very young. Harry also remembers how he had to be bullied by his cousin Dudley, how he was ridiculed and insulted by him. These memories will never go away, they are anchored in him forever.
In the evenings, Harry is often very sad. He feels lonely, depressed and sometimes even hopeless. He then drinks good wine to forget and tell himself that he is living at this time in 1935 and not fifty years later. He thinks it's a way for him to disconnect from reality, to run away from his painful memories. Yet he knows it doesn't solve anything, it only makes things worse in the long run. But it's a way of surviving for him, of holding on, of continuing to move forward despite everything.
Harry knows that for Tom it's different. Tom must live as normally as possible surrounded by love, so that he grows up as normal as possible. Harry promised himself that he would never let his son go through the same thing he had to go through. He must forget everything, his life before, his memories, even those for Tom. It's a promise he made to himself, a promise he will keep until the end.
But despite all this suffering, Harry finds some comfort in his love for Tom. He knows that his son is the only person who can give him some peace and happiness in his life. He doesn't want Tom to live through the pain he's been through and wants to give him a normal life. He remembers that he himself had found a family in his friends at Hogwarts, who had helped him through difficult times.
This is why Harry strives to make Tom feel loved and safe. He wants Tom to know that he is loved unconditionally and can always be counted on. He tries to give him as much joy as possible, telling him stories, playing with him, giving him gifts. He wants Tom to know he's special, important, and loved.
Harry knows the past can't be changed, but he tells himself that the future can be different. He wants Tom to grow up with the love and affection he never knew. He knows it won't be easy, but he's willing to do anything to make Tom happy. He wants his son to grow into a strong, loving and respectful young man. So Harry continues to live each night with his painful memories, but he does it for Tom's sake. He tells himself that maybe, one day, he can find peace in his memories and look to the future with optimism. In the meantime, he cherishes his son and his family, and tells himself that everything will be fine.
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Tom had started his school year in muggle school and Harry was about to start his first day of work in a dark artifact store in Diagon Alley. He had dressed up for the occasion, wearing a perfectly tailored and elegant black suit. He hopes to make a good impression on his new boss, a grumpy man who won't tolerate mistakes.
As soon as the restaurant opened, customers started pouring in and Harry quickly noticed that all eyes were on him. Some were asking for product advice, but their interest seemed more focused on Harry himself. He kept his kind and helpful smile, while trying not to give too much importance to their interest.
A customer, a rather lovely woman, started asking about the various items on display in the store.
"Hello ma'am, how can I help you today?" Harry said approaching her.
"Well, I'd like to buy a second wand for my daughter. She's going to start her third year at Hogwarts this year. Any advice on what to buy?" she replied with a flirtatious smile.
"Absolutely, madam. We have a wide selection of wands for third year students at Hogwarts. There are wands for all types of wizards, from the most powerful to the most discreet. Can I show you some options?" Harry asked, keeping his kind smile.
The customer nodded and Harry proceeded to show off different wands, explaining the characteristics of each and the kinds of sorts they would be best suited for. The customer seemed very interested and was paying attention to every word Harry said. She was getting closer and closer to him, trying to touch his arms at every opportunity.
Eventually, the customer picked out a baguette for her daughter and paid at the checkout, but she didn't want to leave right away. She continued to ask Harry questions about his life, work and free time.
"You are very charming, sir. You must have many dating requests," she said with a coquettish smile.
"Thank you, ma'am, but I'm sorry, I'm already taken. I'm very happy with my life as it is," Harry replied politely, trying not to hurt her feelings.
The customer finally took her leave, having left her phone number with Harry, who smiled politely and put it in his pocket without noticing.
Customers kept pouring in throughout the day, all seeking advice from Harry. He patiently answered all their questions, while maintaining a friendly smile and a professional tone. It was clear that customers not only liked the store's products, but also the person selling them.
Harry was nearly done with his day at work, but he couldn't help thinking of Tom and wondering how his first day at muggle school had been. He wondered if Tom had managed to make friends and if he had liked his teachers. Harry couldn't wait to get home to hear Tom's story.
He packed up his things and left the store, greeting his boss. It was already dark outside and Harry headed for Diagon Alley, determined to buy a little something for Tom. He quickly found a magic toy shop and went inside. He searched for something that Tom would like and ended up choosing a little stuffed dragon.
Harry finished his day's work satisfied with his performance and happy to go home to find Tom. He leaves his dark artifact store and walks confidently through Diagon Alley, dressed in his dark black suit, which makes him look elegant and graceful.
Arriving at Tom's school, Harry notices his surprised look at seeing him so well dressed. Tom asks him why he's dressed like this, to which Harry replies that it's for his job. Tom is a little distracted, staring at him intently, mesmerized by Harry's beauty.
They start walking home, discussing their respective day. Harry mentions that he has a little surprise for Tom tonight, which makes Tom's eyes gleam.
Arriving at their house, Harry asks the elf Grippy to prepare dinner for in 30 minutes. Tom goes down to the living room to relax, but cannot find Harry. He decides to go upstairs to see if he's in his office.
Entering the office, Tom sees Harry sitting at his desk, glasses on his nose, looking serious and focused on his work. Tom finds him handsome like this, and takes small steps closer until he is snuggled up against him. Harry lifts his head and stares at Tom in wonder, as if it's the seventh wonder of the world. He picks him up and lays him on his lap, gently stroking his hair.
"You are so beautiful", whispers Tom, smiling.
Harry smiled back, wrapping his arms around Tom, happy to be with him like this.
"There's something I wanted to tell you," Harry said softly. "I know that I'm not always very present, that I'm often busy with my work. But I want you to know that you are the most important thing in my life, and that I am here for you, no matter what. ."
Tom smiled, touched by Harry's words. He always felt loved and with him, even if he didn't always express it. Tom felt his heart beat faster listening to Harry's words. He loved it when Harry talked to him about his feelings and worries, it made him feel important. He smiled at Harry, happy that his adoptive father had found something that made him happy.
"I know that, Harry," Tom replies.
They stay there, sitting close together, feeling safe and loved. Harry decided to speak while he was working on a file:
So Tom, how was your day at school?
Tom replied, "I did a good job today. But I haven't really spoken to anyone."
Harry: Oh, you haven't made any new friends?
Tom: No, I prefer to be alone. I don't need friends.
Harry: Ah, I see. But you know, friends can be a great source of support and comfort. Could you try to bond with someone at school?
Tom: I don't really want to. I am good like this.
Harry: Alright, I understand. But you know I'm always here for you, right?
Tom: Yes, I know. And I really appreciate your presence, Harry. You're the only person I really feel comfortable with.
Harry: I'm glad to hear that. How did you find the school in general? You liked ?
Tom: Yes, it was good. I learned a lot of things today. But I can't wait to get home and spend time with you.
Harry: Me too, Tom. I have a little surprise for you tonight. We are going to eat a good dinner prepared by Grippy.
Tom: Really? Thank you Harry, that's very kind of you.
Harry: You're welcome, that's normal. Now let's get changed and get ready for dinner.
Tom: Alright, I'm coming.
Time passes, and Grippy announces that dinner is ready. They go down together to eat, happy to spend this time together. The rest of the evening passed pleasantly, with Tom and Harry sharing a good meal prepared by Grippy, discussing their day and reading a few books together. Later that evening, when it was time for Tom to go to bed, Harry told him he had another surprise for him.
He pulls out a small gift-wrapped package and hands it to Tom. Tom quickly unwrapped it and discovered a book on magical creatures he had so wanted to read. His eyes shone with joy as he thanked Harry for this wonderful gift.
Harry smiles and kisses Tom on the forehead. "Tom" he said softly. "I'm so happy you're in my life."
Tom smiled, his heart swelling with happiness as he snuggled closer to Harry. He was so grateful for all the love and care Harry had given him since he adopted him.
"Me too, Dad," Tom replied, knowing that those simple words meant everything to Harry.
Finally, they decide to go to bed, exhausted but happy from this evening spent together. Harry turns off the lights, and sets the dragon stuffed animal on the bedside table with a note on it: "For Tom" afterwards he slips into bed, hugging each other, feeling loved. The two fell asleep, Tom happy to be surrounded by love and Harry, happy to be able to give Tom a normal, happy life away from the memories of his own past.